AFT chief Weingarten promotes Why Fascists Fear Teachers as Kirk murder probe unfolds
Critics question timing of the book tour while authorities investigate the Turning Point USA founder’s death; Weingarten defends the work as a critique of fascist tactics, not a labeling of individuals.
AFT President Randi Weingarten has launched a national tour for her new book Why Fascists Fear Teachers, even as authorities investigate the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Kirk, 31, was killed in what officials are treating as a politically charged act of violence, prompting questions about timing and messaging around issues of education and democracy. Some conservatives criticized the push as capitalizing on a high-profile crime while the investigation unfolds.
Publishers describe the book as a manifesto for our time. An excerpt published by Rolling Stone includes lines such as: "Democracy is people power. But fascists want one leader or a small group of elites to have all the power. And that is what’s happening in the United States right now — with billionaire Trump having enabled his shadow governing partner Elon Musk, the wealthiest person in the world, to act as his co-president." The piece also notes that Trump’s initial second-term Cabinet was on track to be the wealthiest in history, worth at least $382 billion — higher than the GDP of 172 countries. The problem for fascists, then, is that a public with strong critical thinking muscles is more likely to strengthen democracy and resist authoritarianism. An AFT spokesperson told The Post that Weingarten was describing fascistic behavior and not suggesting Trump or members of his administration are fascist. Weingarten has said she does not call anyone a fascist; in an interview with Fox News Digital, she said critics haven’t read the book and that, "If they did they’d discover it’s a love letter to teachers."
Reuters published the same excerpt and described the book as weaving together historical and contemporary examples to argue that public education stands as a bulwark against extremism. In a separate social post, Hillary Clinton praised Weingarten, posting on X that the book is a critical read for this moment and noting that authoritarians go after public education because it is a cornerstone of democracy.
Conservative critics were swift on social media. Some argued that promoting a book in the wake of a high-profile killing could appear to leverage tragedy for political ends, while others highlighted what they characterized as the broader political rhetoric around education policy. One commentator urged Weingarten to resign, and another noted that the campaign has intensified even as Kirk’s family and supporters mourn.
Authorities’ account of Kirk’s murder has been limited but several details emerged. Investigators said the suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, was deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology. They said shell casings recovered in the case bore anti-fascist or anti-authoritarian messages, including phrases interpreted as threats. President Donald Trump has blamed radical left rhetoric for the violence, arguing that the tone of political debate has helped fuel such acts. Weingarten responded to criticism by saying critics should read the book and that the work is about fascist tactics, not about labeling individuals.
Weingarten’s tour has included podcasts and webinars in the days since the book’s release, and the publisher and author have continued to defend the work as a timely examination of how movements seek to consolidate power. The exchange highlights a broader debate about the role of educators and unions in political discourse at a moment of heightened political violence.
